Guys, I need some logical, non-emotional input regarding an upcoming purchase.

I have to get another car (I'm keeping the '98) for daily use. I'm strongly considering the 2006 E320 CDI but for about the same money, I could have a roaring 460+ HP E55. The reason I'm looking at the '06 is because it was the last year of the inline 6's and before the Bluetec.

I really love the diesels but I'm trying to weigh fuel costs with maintenance, potential problems and general costs of ownership. There's also the V6 E350 which is significantly less but the only experience I have with these is that a friend's 2006 model blew the cam angle sensor/actuator and it was like, $4000 to get it fixed. Obviously, no matter what I end up with, I don't want it to become a maintenance nightmare.

I'm sorry this is a collection of random thoughts as I'm just trying to get my head around this whole decision. I wasn't prepared to buy something right now but I fell into the situation.

So, to break it down, the choices are:

2006 E320 CDI
2006+ E55
2006+ E350

My budget is 20-22k. Thanks for the input!

__________________
-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250